Hollywood Gold Cup to be run as handicap
Hollywood Park released its 2005 stakes schedule, which contains 32 graded
stakes worth $9.46 million. The $750,000 Hollywood Gold Cup H. (G1), which has been run
under weight-for-age conditions since 1997, has been returned to its handicap
status for the 66th running this year.
“Through the combined efforts of the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC)
and Hollywood Park, the Gold Cup has been returned to handicap status,” racing
secretary Martin Panza said. “The race has a rich tradition and we’re hopeful
reverting to its roots as a handicap will make it more appealing nationally.”
The Gold Cup is set for July 9 along with the $400,000 Swaps Breeders’ Cup S. (G2) and
$150,000 A Gleam
Invitational H. (G2).
Another big day, July 3, will feature $1.85 million in purses headed by a trio of Grade 1 races
—
the $750,000 American Oaks, $350,000 Triple Bend H. and $300,000 Vanity H. —
along with the $250,000 American H. (G2) and
$200,000 Royal Heroine S. (G3). The American Oaks and Royal Heroine each received
$100,000 purse increases this year while the
Triple Bend and Vanity purses obtained $50,000 increases per race.
Hollywood Park will also hold its sixth annual Cal National Gold Rush on
April 24, featuring $1.3 million in purses for California breds.
The Inglewood, California, track’s 64-day meet begins on April 22 and will run until
July 17, featuring seven Grade 1 races, 12 Grade 2 competitions and 13 Grade
3 events.